Old Man: (voice-over) We never paid any heed to the ancient prophecies. Like fools we clung to the old hatreds, and fought as we had for generations. Until the day the sky rained fire, and a new enemy came upon us. We stand now, upon the brink of destruction, for the reign of chaos has come at last.

Medivh: The sands of time have run out, son of Durotan. The cries of war echo upon the winds. The remnants of the past scar the land, which is besieged once again by conflict. Heroes arise to challenge fate, and lead their brethren to battle. As mortal armies rush blindly towards their doom, the Burning Shadow comes to consume us all. You must rally the Horde and lead your people to their destiny! Seek me out...

Ambassador 2: Certainly the recent attacks against the internment camps are evidence enough.

Ambassador 3: Agreed, the Horde is on the move!

Ambassador 4: This is absurd. My nation will not stand by and watch as the Horde masses on our very doorstep!

Kirin Tor Ambassador: The orcs are not our primary concern here. How many times must I repeat myself? King Terenas, you must heed my warning! This plague that has gripped the northlands could have dire ramifications...

[The ambassadors are heard arguing, while a crow flies into the throne room]

Ambassador: Plague? You wizards are just being paranoid!

Ambassador: Let's keep all this in perspective. Even if this plague does pose a threat to us, what are you proposing that we do?

Kirin Tor Ambassador: It is simple. As I have said, the Kirin Tor are already prepared to place the villages under strict quarantine...

King Terenas:[interrupting] I will not institute quarantine without proof of your claims, ambassador. The people of Lordaeron have suffered enough without becoming prisoners in their own lands.

[The crow transforms, revealing itself to be Medivh.]

Medivh: Yet prisoners they are, good King.

Terenas: What is the meaning of this? Who are you?

Medivh: Humanity is in peril! The tides of darkness have come again, and the whole world is poised upon the brink of war!

Ambassador: Enough of this! Guards, remove this madman!

Medivh: Hear me! The only hope for your people is to travel west, to the forgotten lands of Kalimdor...!

[There is huge outrage by the ambassadors]

Ambassador:[astounded] Travel west?! Are you mad?

Terenas: Hold, ambassador. I don't know who you are or what you believe, but this is not the time for rambling prophets! Our lands are beset by conflict, but it shall be we who decide how best to protect our people, not you! Now, begone!

Medivh: I failed humanity once before, and I will not do so again. If you can not take up this cup, then I shall find another who will.

[He leaves.]

Medivh:(voice-over) The warning has been given. Their fate is now their own.

Archimonde: Azhir uval nutarus. Azhir mudas ethanul. Dalektharu il dask daku. Riftuuz e thara samanar utamus. Elas umanes azarathan rakas ibna. Belanora mordanos nenaar ila mornu farlos kada. (in the Eredar language: "Let this scar signify the first blow against the mortal world. From this seal shall arise the doom of men, who, in their arrogance, sought to wield our fire as their own. Blindly they build their kingdoms upon stolen knowledge and conceit. Now they shall be consumed by the very flame they sought to control. Let the echoes of doom resound across this wretched world, that all who live may hear them and despair.")

Medivh: The roots will heal in time, as will the entire world. The sacrifices have been made. Just as the orcs, humans, and night elves discarded their old hatreds and stood united against a common foe, so did nature herself rise up to banish the shadow...forever. As for me, I came back to ensure that there would be a future, to teach the world that it no longer needed guardians. The hope for future generations has always resided in mortal hands. And now that my task is done, I will take my place amongst the legends of the past.

Arthas: Glad you could make it, Uther.
Uther: Watch your tone with me, boy. You may be the prince, but I'm still your superior as a paladin!
Arthas: As if I could forget. Listen Uther, there's something about the plague you should know... [civilians begin entering a cursed sleep] Oh no. We're too late. These people have all been infected! They may look fine now, but it's just a matter of time before they turn into the undead!
Uther: What?Arthas: This entire city must be purged.Uther: How can you even consider that? There's got to be some other way.
Arthas: Damn it, Uther! As your future king, I order you to purge this city!
Uther: You are not my king yet, boy! Nor would I obey that command even if you were!
Arthas: Then I must consider this an act of treason.
Uther: [astounded] Treason? Have you lost your mind, Arthas?
Arthas: Have I? Lord Uther, by my right of succession and the sovereignty of my crown, I hereby relieve you of your command and suspend your paladins from service.
Jaina: Arthas! You can't just--
Arthas: It's done! Those of you who have the will to save this land, follow me! The rest of you... get out of my sight!
Uther: [some knights leave] You've just crossed a terrible threshold, Arthas. [Uther leaves]
Arthas: [Jaina turns to leave] Jaina?
Jaina: I'm sorry, Arthas. I can't watch you do this.

Luc Valonforth: [The Emissary arrives in a zepplin with two footmen] I apologize Emissary, but the prince is away on an errand. What brings you to this desolate place?
Emissary: By royal edict, you men are to return to Lordaeron immediately. Lord Uther has convinced the king to recall this expedition. [Emissary turns to his zepplin]
Luc Valonforth: [puzzled] We're to just pick up and leave?
Emissary: That's correct. My men reports that the roads from here to shore are held by the undead. You'll need to find alternate route back to your ships. [Emissary leaves]
Luc Valonforth: To hell with the undead! We'll cut our way through the woods men! [all of the footmen leave their post and head to the woods, then Arthas and Muradin return to find their post empty except 2 mortar teams]
Arthas: Captain, why are the guards, not at their post?
Luc Valonforth: Well milord, your father had our troops recalled at Lord Uther's requests.
Arthas: [shocked and furiously] Uther, had my troops recalled?! DAMN IT! If my warriors abandoned me. I'll never defeat Mal'Ganis. The ships must be burned, before the men reaches the shore!
Muradin: [two mortar teams approach them] Isn't that a bit much, lad?
Arthas: [angrily] Burned downed to their flames! No one goes home until our job here is done!

Muradin Bronzebeard: [furious] You lied to your men and betrayed the mercenaries who fought for you. What's happening to you, Arthas? Is vengeance all that's important to you?
Arthas: Spare me, Muradin. You weren't there to see what Mal'Ganis did to my homeland.
Mal'Ganis: The Dark Lord said you would come. This is where your journey ends, boy. Trapped and freezing at the roof of the world, with only death to sing the tale of your doom.
Muradin Bronzebeard: This looks bad. We're completely surrounded.
Arthas: There's still one chance. Help me claim Frostmourne! If it's as powerful as you said, it might tilt the scales in our favor!
Muradin Bronzebeard: I have a bad feeling about this, lad. But I promised I'd see this through.
Arthas: Captain, I'll leave you to organize our defense. Let's move out.

Arthas: Behold, Muradin, our salvation, Frostmourne.
Muradin Bronzebeard: Hold, lad. There's an inscription on the dais. It's a warning. It says: "Whomsoever takes up this blade shall wield power eternal. Just as the blade rends flesh, so must power scar the spirit." Oh, I should've known. The blade is cursed! Let's get the hell out of here!
Arthas: I would gladly bear any curse to save my homeland.
Muradin Bronzebeard: Leave it be, Arthas. Forget this business and lead your men home.
Arthas: Damn the men! Nothing shall prevent me from having my revenge, old friend. Not even you. [begins casting] Now, I call out to the spirits of this place. I will give anything or pay any price, if only you will help me save my people.
[The ice around Frostmourne shatters, knocking down Muradin. Arthas drops Light's Vengeance and claims Frostmourne.]

Uther: Your father ruled this land for seventy years, and you've ground it to dust in a matter of days.
Arthas: Very dramatic, Uther. Give me the urn, and I'll make sure you die quickly.
Uther: The urn holds your father's ashes, Arthas! What, were you hoping to piss on them one last time before you left his kingdom to rot?
Arthas: [chuckles] I didn't know what it held. Nor does it matter. I'll take what I came for, one way or another.

Uther: [his last words] I dearly hope that there's a special place in hell waiting for you, Arthas.
Arthas: We may never know, Uther. I intend to live forever.

Arthas: I salute your bravery, elf, but the chase is over.
Sylvanas Windrunner: Then I'll make my stand here, butcher. Anar'alah belore! [Arthas duels Sylvanas and soon deals her a mortal wound] Finish it! I deserve...a clean death.
Arthas: [hatefully] After all you've put me through, woman, the last thing I'll give you is the peace of death! [Arthas begins to perform necromancy]
Sylvanas: [horrified] NO! You wouldn't dare...! [Sylvanas is resurrected as a banshee]

Archimonde: [upon being summoned into the mortal realm] Tremble, mortals and despair! DOOM HAS COME TO THIS WORLD!

Tyrande Whisperwind: Archimonde! After ten thousand years, how is it possible?

Archimonde: [cackles] The Legion has returned to consume this world, woman...and this time, your troublesome race will NOT stop us!

Furion: You've changed, Tyrande. There is little mercy left in you.
Tyrande: I have not had the luxury of sleeping through thousands of years of turmoil.
Furion: If your eternal vigil has hardened you, my love, it must be part of your goddess' plan.

Archimonde: You are very brave to stand against me, little human. If only your countrymen had been as bold, I would have more fun scouring your wretched nations from the world!
Jaina: Is talk all you demons do? [she teleports to safety]Archimonde: STORMRAGE! Show yourself! Or do you intend to have mortal girls do all your fighting for you?

Archimonde: You orcs are weak and hardly worth the effort! I wonder why Mannoroth even bothered with you!
Thrall: Our spirit is stronger than you know, demon! If we are to fall, then so be it! At least now we are free! [Thrall blasts Archimonde with a spell and then teleports to safety]Archimonde: The wretched little whelp actually hurt me! Ha-ha-ha-ha... Are there none left to stand against the Legion? This is almost too easy! If I had known that this mortal resistance would be so weak, I would have launched this invasion centuries ago!

Furion: Archimonde's victory here has made him overconfident. He will not see the trap I have laid for him...until it is too late.
Archimonde: At last! The way to the World Tree is clear! Witness the end, mortals! The final hour has come!
Tyrande: The outlanders held him back as long as they could. Were you successful in planning the summit's defence?
Furion: Yes. Now our victory is assured.

(phone rings) "Yes? Oh, for the last time. I'm a DREADlord, not a DRUGlord."

"This is not a dress. It's the standard Dreadlord uniform." (This is a reference to early artwork of the Dreadlord, in which the Dreadlord was seen wearing an outfit that looked very much like a dress. This was changed before the game was released. It is also a reference to dialogue from the movie The Breakfast Club - "You wear tights?" "No, I don't wear tights. I wear the required uniform." "Tights." "...Shut up!")

"Dress to kill. Blah!" (reference to the Count Dracula from "Scooby-Doo and the Reluctant Werewolf")

(phone rings) "Yes? Darkness, hey, what's up? The Demon Hunter left you a message? No, I don't have his number." (first part of the random conversation between darkness and the Demon Hunter)

"If I have wings, why am I always walking?"

"I must hunt soon."

"What, mortal?"

"Greetings!"

"What is it now?"

"You thought of that?"

"That was my plan!"

"Very well."

"Agreed!"

"I HUNGER!"

"Death rages!"

"Die!"

"And then, after I overthrow this fool… Oh! Hello! I–I didn't know you were there." (referring to the player)

"The Hippogryph is an amazing creature rarely seen outside the wild. The tricky thing about Hippogryphs is their incredible jaw strength; one terrible clap of their beaks can rip a huge beast apart in seconds! Let's see what happens when I stick my hand- AAAAH!" (Steve Irwin)

"Darkness called… But I was on the phone, so I missed him. I tried to *69 Darkness, but his machine picked up. I yelled "Pick up the phone, Darkness!," but he ignored me. Darkness must have been screening his calls." (Referenced by numerous Undead units)

Illidan Stormrage: Betrayer. In truth, it was I who was betrayed. Still, I am hunted. Still, I am hated. Now, my blind eyes see what others cannot. That sometimes the hand of fate must be forced![The Naga arise from the depths]Now, go forth. Unleash the tides of doom. Upon all those who would oppose us!

[Arthas ascends the spire of Icecrown Glacier. His thoughts are flooded with memories of comrades long past.]

Uther: ...to turn to bloodlust, we will become as vile as the orcs.

Muradin Bronzebeard: Forget this business, and lead your men home.

Uther: You are not my king yet, boy! Nor would I obey that command even if you were!

Arthas: Damn it, Uther! As your future king, I order you to purge this city!

Uther: Have you lost your mind, Arthas?

Arthas: Then I must consider this an act of treason.

Uther: ...and you've ground it to dust in a matter of days.

Muradin: You lied to your men and betrayed the mercenaries who fought for you. What's happening to you, Arthas?

Medivh: Your young prince will find only death in the cold north.

[Arthas reaches the Frozen Throne.]

Ner'zhul: Return the blade. Complete the circle. Release me from this prison!

[Arthas cries out and strikes the block of ice. It shatters to the sound of a screech of joy, and Ner'zhul's helm falls to the ground. Arthas dons it, and his eyes move about rapidly under their lids. His eyes open, and glow with radiant blue light.]

Sylvanas Windrunner: Aren't you, sister? Only days ago, we were the Lich King's slaves. We existed only to slaughter in his name. And now, we are...free.

Banshee: I don't understand, mistress. I thought you'd be overjoyed.

Sylvanas Windrunner: What joy is there in this curse? We are still undead, still...monstrosities. What are we if not slaves to this torment!!

Maiev Shadowsong: I am the Hand of Justice, Illidan. Long ago, I swore an oath to keep you chained, and by the Gods, I shall!

Sylvanas Windrunner: The Capital City is ours. But we are no longer part of the Scourge. From here on out, we shall be known as the Forsaken. We will find our own path in this world, Dreadlord, and slaughter anyone who stands in our way!

Arthas: [snidely] Are you still upset that I took Jaina from you, Kael?

Kael'thas: You've taken everything from me, Arthas. Vengeance is all I have left now.

"My blood cries out for the vengeance of my people's blood, which can only be repaid with at least twice as much blood! Or maybe three times as much blood! Like if you went to hell, and it was full of blood, and that blood was on fire, and it was raining blood, then maybe that would be enough blood! Eh... but probably not."

"Yes, the spirits are talking to me. *fart* Oh yes, they are coming in clearly. *fart* Ah, now they're forming into a gaseous material. *fart* I can actually see them now... *fart* The spirits are very powerful today!"

"Men are from Mars, I'm from the grave." (Twist on the saying that "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus")

"I went on a job interview the other day and they were like 'uhh, what's that smell?' and I was like, 'Oh, sorry, it's me'. And then they said they didn't think I'd be able to fit in with the other employees, 'cause they're living and, you know, I'm dead, so I wouldn't be a team player. But then I said I could work 24 hours. And they said 'Oh, right. You could work the graveyard shift'."

(Talk show intro music)Announcer: "Welcome back to...Jaina in the morning!"(crowd applauds)Jaina: "We're here with Malvingeroth, Hunter of Night, and his girlfriend Kim. Now Kim, you think you're here for a makeover, right?"Kim (sounding confused): "Um, yeah..."Jaina: "Mal, why don't you tell her why you're really here?"Pit Lord (embarrassed): "Well, Kim-cake, I love you but I have something to tell you… uh, I'm a demon."(crowd mutters)Crowd member: "Oh boy, he pulled the wool over your eyes!"Pit Lord: "Actually, more of a… Pit Lord."Kim: "What? I don't understand."(crowd starts shouting angrily)Crowd member: "He's a bum! Throw him out!"Kim: "I thought you said you work for the post office?"Pit Lord: "Well, I moonlight."

"I come from the darkness of the pit."

"In Mannoroth's name!" (Mannoroth is a named pit lord and minor adversary in Reign of Chaos)

Four years have passed since the mortal races banded together and stood united against the might of the Burning Legion. Though Azeroth was saved, the tenuous pact between the Horde and the Alliance has all but evaporated. The drums of war thunder once again.

Maiev Shadowsong, World of Warcraft opening cinematic

Imprisoned for ten thousand years... banished from my own homeland... and now you dare enter my realm? You are not prepared... YOU ARE NOT PREPARED!!!!

Illidan Stormrage, World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade opening cinematic

My son, the day you were born, the very forests of Lordaeron whispered the name Arthas. My child, I watched with pride as you grew into a weapon of righteousness. Remember, our line has always ruled with wisdom and strength. And I know you will show restraint when exercising your great power. But the truest victory, my son, is stirring the hearts of your people. I tell you this, for when my days have come to an end, you shall be King.

King Terenas Menethil II, World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King cinematic

It's begun. Young heroes, I was once like you. You have come to this place seeking to bring judgement upon the damned. You will venture deep into forgotten lands. You will see wonders beyond imagining. But, be warned. The land itself will rise up against you. Long forgotten terrors will smother your courage. Sacrifice everything as the final darkness falls...In the end, all that awaits you is death. Only then will you understand, you've been following in my footsteps all along. So come then, you heroes! Come in all your power and glory! For in the final hour, all must serve the one... true... king...

The Lich King, World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King trailer

Did You think we had forgotten? Did you think we had forgiven? Behold now, the terrible vengeance of the Forsaken! Death to the Scourge! And death to the Living! ... Now, all can see. This is the hour of the Forsaken!

Grand Apothecary Putress at the Wrathgate

Terenas Menethil II: Can you feel it, my son, closing in all around you? The Light's justice has been awakened. The sins of the past have finally caught up to you. You will be called to account for all the atrocities you committed, the unspeakable horrors you have let loose upon this world, and the dark, ancient powers you have enslaved. Though my soul was one of the first to be devoured by your evil, there are thousands more bound within this blade, and they cry out... for release. Look now to your defenses, my son, for the champions of justice gather at your gates!
Lich King: Let them come. Frostmourne hungers!

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King patch 3.3 trailer

Lich King: So the Light's vaunted justice has finally arrived? Shall I lay down Frostmourne and throw myself at your mercy, Fordring?
Tirion Fordring: We'll grant you a swift death, Arthas. More than can be said for the thousands you've tortured and slain.
Lich King: You'll learn of that first hand. When my work is complete, you will beg for mercy -- and I will deny you. Your anguished cries will be testament to my unbridled power...
Tirion Fordring: So be it. Champions, attack!
[The Lich King freezes Tirion in a solid block of ice]Lich King: I'll keep you alive to witness the end, Fordring. I would not want the Light's greatest champion to miss seeing the world remade in my image.
* World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King patch 3.3 cutscene

[Arthas lies broken and dying on the floor. As he gasps in pain, the shade of his father appears over him]

Arthas: Father? Is it... over? [Terenas's shade takes his son's hand]

Terenas Menethil II: At long last. No king rules forever, my son.

Arthas: I see... only darkness... before me... [Arthas's eyes roll up in his head and he dies. Terenas closes his son's eyes and turns to the waiting Tirion Fordring]

Terenas Menethil II: Without its master's command, the restless Scourge will become an even greater threat to this world. Control must be maintained... There must always be... a Lich King... [Terenas's ghost vanishes. Tirion picks up Arthas's crown, the Helm of Domination]

Tirion Fordring: [solemn] The weight of such a burden... ... it must be mine, for there is no other to--

Bolvar Fordragon: Tirion... You hold a grim destiny in your hands, brother ... but it is not your own.

Tirion Fordring: Bolvar... [horrified, as he sees Bolvar] By all that is holy...

[Bolvar is revealed to be burned, scarred, decrepit and corpse-like, as a result of what he suffered at the battle at the Wrathgate]

Bolvar Fordragon: The dragons' flame... sealed my fate... The world of the living can no longer comfort me. Place the crown upon my head, Tirion. Forevermore - I will be the jailer of the damned.

Tirion Fordring: NO, old friend... I cannot...

Bolvar Fordragon: DO IT TIRION! You and these brave heroes have your own destinies to fulfill. This last act of service... is mine.

Tirion Fordring:[solemn] You will not be forgotten... brother.

Bolvar Fordragon: [insistent] I MUST be forgotten, Tirion! If the world is to live free from the tyranny of fear - they must never know what was done here today.

[Tirion nods and slowly lowers the crown onto Bolvar's head. For a moment, there is silence, then the chamber starts to shakes. Bolvar lifts up his head and opens his eyes; there is a flash of golden light, and Bolvar's eyes, and the crown itself, gleam with golden yellow light. As Tirion backs away, ice begins to form around the Frozen Throne]

Bolvar Fordragon: Tell them only that the Lich King is dead...[his voice acquires the characteristic echo of the Lich King] and that Bolvar Fordragon died with him... [the throne freezes over, completely encasing Bolvar in ice]

The Lich King: NOW GO. LEAVE THIS PLACE - AND NEVER RETURN.

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King patch 3.3 cutscene

Pain... Agony... My hatred burns through the cavernous deeps. The world heaves with my torment. Its wretched kingdoms quake beneath my rage... But at last... The whole of Azeroth will break... And all will burn beneath the shadow of my wings...

Deathwing, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm opening cinematic

To ask why we fight... ... is to ask why the leaves fall. It is in their nature. Perhaps, there is a better question.
Why do we fight? To protect home and family, to restore balance, and bring harmony.
For my kind, the true question is; what is worth fighting for?

Chen Stormstout, World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria opening cinematic

We will never be slaves! But we will be conquerors.

Grommash Hellscream, World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor opening cinematic

His name brought light to darkest Azeroth.His valor tore the walls of mis'ry down.The Silver Hand would ne'er do better morethan give the world the knight who'd give himself.His fame was not that which he sought to grow.Nor was the lordship over his own kind.Instead he chose to fight for Lordaeronto hope his kin would have to fight no more.The tragic tale of this most holy knightwill never end with his unholy death.We honor him, and we shall give him thanks!Uther always shall know glory and light!

For the Light!, in-game book

His name will not die.His sacrifice will always serve to show the way.Shackles once that choked the inhale of honor's breath no longer bind us.Can you hear his scream?A battle wail for the Horde: Victory or death!We must remember his strength in the face of death.His dream, reality.Dangers are abound.Enemies seek to bring us back to the shackles.When we fight, think of he who did what must be done.Grom Hellscream, forever!

The Horde's Hellscream, in-game book

You no take candle!

Kobolds

I am he who watches they. I am the fist of retribution. That which does quell the recalitrant. Dare you defy the Warchief? Dare you face my merciless judgement?

Too soon! You have awakened me too soon, Executus! What is the meaning of this intrusion?

Ragnaros, upon being summoned in the Molten Core

You are not prepared!

Illidan, Burning Crusade opening cinematic

Don't look so smug. I know what you're thinking, but Tempest Keep was merely a setback! Did you honestly believe I would trust the future to some blind, half night-elf mongrel? Hahahaha...oh no no no, he was merely an instrument, a stepping stone to a much larger plan! It has all led to this...and this time, you will not interfere!

Kael'thas Sunstrider, as a boss encounter for the second time, after being previously killed by players.

Interlopers! You mortals who dare to interfere with my sport will pay. Wait...you...I remember you...in the mountains! But you...what is this?

Thorim, referring to a previous quest chain in which he was helped by the player. His disorientation is due to the corrupting influence of Yogg-Saron.

We named him Draenosh. It means "heart of Draenor" in orcish. I would not let the warlocks take him. My boy would be safe, hidden away by the elders of Garadar. I made a promise to his mother before she died, that I would cross the Dark Portal alone - whether I lived or died, my son would be safe...untainted. Today, I fulfill that promise.

Varok Saurfang, upon encountering his son forcibly resurrected into the service of the Lich King. This speech (more than a minute in length) became infamous during the Icecrown Citadel raid as it was unskippable for any and every attempt on the subsequent boss encounter.

The beginning of wisdom is the statement 'I do not know.' The person who cannot make that statement is one who will never learn anything. And I have prided myself on my ability to learn. (Sokrates method to enlighten people, ca. 500 before b.c)

Thrall

We don't go do stupid things when somebody yells, 'For the Horde'.

Thrall

This! Was! Not! In my contract!

Can't we all just get along?

Imp

I am Void where prohibited

I... don't like... this place

Voidwalker

Are you too pathetic to fight your own battles?

Felguard

You can't call yourself a seasoned adventurer until you've spent some time killing rats! Haw!